I think we nearly all appreciate that SQ is affected by so much more than just the speakers. Seeking the right combination of components for personalized audio enjoyment is what it seems to be about for most.
That’s what is so compelling about AA.

Of course matching components is key and it's not talked about enough, but room acoustics are THE most important thing, but every component still has a sonic characteristic. When I say the 9H is hot to me, I say that because it's been the same sound signature every time I've heard it (many systems now). The first time I gave it a pass since I was literally of the first customers to audition it as The Audio Store in Newington, CT was the first place on the tour before the official release. I told both teh VP of US Sales as well as the store owner my thoughts and they said ti was because they weren't broken in. I went back and heard them again and it was the same etc... They seem to be doing good with it though and I'm happy for them. That's a great thing. When I purchased the Vandersteen Quatro last year I was able to get to audition well over 30 speakers from 60k down as it's my money and I"m no married to anyone in audio. I love Bernie who own's The Audio Store, but the Focal's and 9H just didn't beat the Vandersteen's for my money. that's just me.

Curious what SET amps you are using...I have a pair of 9H's on order and am considering tubes...as well as Class A amps...no way to audition amps as I'm several hundred miles from the nearest dealers, and they tend to use Anthem or Simaudio...

Getting the new Carbon Black gloss ..supposed to ship this week but no big rush...best to build them perfect!!...))

My dealer use a Luxman MQ-300 (SET with only 8w) with fantastic results!

I can guarantee with this setup no brightness at all...holographic soundstage, the voices are spooky real...and a bonus of ARC room correction, essential in my room, because I have a huge node at 40 Hz.

McIntosh and Persona are probably a match made in heaven. Personas a bit on the bright side and Mac presents warm and rounded. I do not mean this by way of criticism but as an observation. I once had an upscale all-Mac system ---so I am a fan--- and I believe Paradigm has made great advances with the Persona series. They are very good speakers for the $.

Sincerely...it's really strange for me when someone claims that the Paradigm Persona 9h are bright ... in my setup none of this is happening... the sound is full and three-dimensional and I can hear for hours. For example, last Saturday my wife had a birthday party and I took the opportunity for a listening session that started at 10pm and only finished at 3am !!

I’m honestly very happy for you and others who love them. As I said we all hear differently and to me and others I have heard them with, they were very bright. Tons of folks like their music that way and that’s cool. This is why there are so many options in such a small niche market. I’m not disparaging anyone or any product.

It's human nature to be bothered when we love something or somebody and someone has a strong opposing opinion. Especially if they feel the opinion isn't justified. Not on this forum, but I was recently told the Persona 7F/9H destroyed my speakers. I took it personally, because I believe at a certain level it's more about preference than one component destroying another. I traveled a couple of hours to hear the Paradigm Persona 7Fs. I didn't think they were bright and thought they sound really good. Did they destroy my speakers? Let's just say I still have my speakers. My speakers aren't perfect and everyone doesn't like them, but I do and that's what counts. So, if you love your Persona 9H's, sit-back and enjoy them!